Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

The Swelkie

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s promenade anticlockwise round outside of set
9-16 1L dances reel of 3 with 3s (passing 3L LSh) while 1M dances reel with 2s (passing 2M RSh) and all end in original places
17-24 All Ladies dance RH across, pass in front of partner and behind next Man to end at side of remaining Man
25-32 All Men dance LH across, pass in front of new partner and behind next Lady to end beside remaining Lady
Repeat from new pstns with new partners

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The race at the north end of Stroma in the Pentland Firth, off Swelkie Point is a fearsome tidal whirlpool known as 'The Swelkie'.

The Firth is the point where the Atlantic and the North Sea meet. Two tidal surges race each way, every day, at speeds of up to 16 knots (30 kph), creating massive currents and whirlpools.

It extends from the point in an easterly or westerly direction depending on the tide and can be particularly violent. The whirlpool of the same name was, according to a Viking legend, caused by a sea-witch turning the mill wheels which ground the salt to keep the seas salty.

The name derives from an Old Norse term, Svalga meaning "the Swallower".